An assembly of devices specifically designed to provide a fixed installation (in an imaging facility, or transportation van) x-ray system to compress and image the breast. A digital mammography system (DMS) is used to record the absorption pattern of x-ray beams passed through the breast onto various image archive media, e.g., film, paper, digital/video formats. It is used to optimize the capability of users to visually evaluate the anatomy and function of blood and lymphatic vessels within the breast. It uses digital techniques for image capture and display. A DMS is used for breast cancer screening and for the placement of, e.g., biopsy markers or stereotactic biopsy.